This video is a sermon focusing on practical sanctification, emphasizing the relationship between faith, works, and the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. It is part 8 of a series, with part 9 coming next to conclude in December.
Key Themes and Concepts
1. Faith and Works Relationship
- James 2:26 highlights that “faith without works is dead,” analogous to “body without spirit is dead.”
- Faith corresponds to the body; works correspond to the spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is essential for works to be alive. Without the Spirit, faith and works are dead.
2. The Creation Analogy
- Genesis 2:7 describes God forming man from dust (body) and breathing life (spirit) into him.
- Similarly, faith comes alive only when combined with works energized by the Spirit.
3. Faith’s Definition
- Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
- Faith is a moral conviction and deep conviction of God’s truth, even when unseen.
4. Love and Faith
- Faith and love are inseparable; love is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
- Ephesians 6:23 links peace, love, and faith together.
- Loving God fully (heart, soul, mind, strength) is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40).
5. Hearing the Word Brings Faith
- Romans 10:17 states, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
- The Word of God is uncorrupt and true; it brings conviction and life through the Holy Spirit.
- Faith grows from hearing and accepting God’s Word with an open heart, surrendering pride and sin.
6. The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit dwells in believers, producing fruit (works) that manifest faith.
- Without the Spirit, no true works or life can exist in faith.
- Pentecost experience shows disciples’ transformation upon receiving the Holy Spirit enabling them to do God’s works.
7. Sanctification as a Daily Process
- Sanctification involves cooperating with God’s grace daily.
- It requires surrendering self, renouncing sin, and allowing Christ to reign in the heart.
- Practical sanctification enables readiness for the latter rain and final events before Christ’s second coming.
8. The Importance of Obedience
- Obedience to the gospel and God’s commandments accompanies faith.
- Faith without obedience or love is incomplete and inactive.
- Jesus’ perfect obedience is imputed to believers through justification and sanctification by grace.
9. The Danger of Pride and Resistance to Truth
- Pride hinders acceptance of God’s truth.
- Choice and will are critical; hearts must receive truth fully to be transformed.
- Those who reject truth fall into deception (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
10. The Final Reward
- The faithful who live sanctified lives will be glorified as saints at Christ’s second coming.
- The 144,000 represent this glorified remnant church who have accepted practical sanctification.
Biblical References Cited
| Scripture | Key Point |
|---|---|
| James 2:26 | Faith without works is dead |
| Genesis 2:7 | Body and spirit analogy |
| Hebrews 11:1 | Definition of faith |
| Galatians 5:22 | Fruit of the Spirit includes faith and love |
| Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the Word |
| Ephesians 6:23 | Link between peace, love, and faith |
| Matthew 22:37-40 | Greatest commandments: love God and neighbor |
| John 14:6; John 17:17 | Jesus as Truth and Word sanctifies |
| Romans 5:8 | God’s love demonstrated in sending Christ |
| Revelation 2:4 | Warning to retain first love (works) |
| 1 Thessalonians 1:3 | Work of faith, labor of love |
| 2 Corinthians 13:5 | Testing one’s faith |
| Romans 8:11 | Spirit raises believers to new life |
| Isaiah 55:11 | God’s Word accomplishes its purpose |
| Titus 1:1 | Faith and truth bring holiness |
Summary Points
- Salvation is deeply connected to creation: Just as life begins with spirit breathing into dust, spiritual life begins with faith energized by the Holy Spirit producing works.
- Faith is not mere belief but a committed trust, leading to moral conviction and transformation.
- Love is inseparable from faith; true faith manifests itself through love for God and others.
- Hearing and obeying God’s Word is necessary for ongoing sanctification.
- Pride blocks reception of truth, but love breaks barriers allowing heart transformation.
- Practical sanctification requires daily cooperation with God’s grace through surrender and obedience.
- Without the Holy Spirit, faith and works are dead; spiritual life depends on Christ dwelling in believers.
- The ultimate goal is to be glorified as saints at Christ’s return through a life of genuine faith working by love.
Conclusion
The sermon encourages believers to live out their faith actively through love and obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit. It stresses that understanding salvation requires understanding both faith and works together as a living spiritual reality. Practical sanctification is an ongoing journey that prepares believers for Christ’s return.
